Question regarding a US 110V appliances use in Ireland

Guru Maith Agut

So my question is this . .

I purchased a small waffle maker from the US recently whilst on a business trip. I thought I could just change the plug on it to suit Irish sockets, not thinking about the voltage difference. Instead of doing that I bought a US-UK plug adapter and used this a couple of times. It seemed to work okay but I am wondering if the power into the device could be making it heat hotter than the 110V sockets in the US would?

The unit seems to burn the food very quickly and that is what I am trying to find out. If that is the case, is there another option to enable me to use the device safely within my kitchen and have the voltage dropped down to the required 110V that the unit was made to handle?

TIA

I wouldn't suggest continuing using it. A waffle maker is just a simple resistive load i.e. an element, but it will run MUCH hotter on 230V instead of 120V and, apart from burning your waffles, could be a potential fire hazard.

Waffle makers are available in Ireland or very easily online.

To get 120V you'd need a pretty serious transformer, as a heating appliance like that draws a lot of power.

I can't see how it would be worth the hassle. You'd be far better off just buying a 230V waffle maker.

Antenna

Have you a link online to the US-UK plug adapter? if it is just a plug adapter, not a transformer, as it sounds, well the waffle maker is getting our approx double the US voltage so there is approx FOUR TIMES more heat power in it than normal, it will not be long before it fails.

Some electronic devices can automatically adjust to the worldwide range of voltage such as many laptop etc power supplies, so just a plug adapter will do, but that is not going to be the case with the above.

Guru Maith Agut

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117962652#Comment_117962652

As you mention, it is indeed only a plug shape adapter (although it is fused 13amp) so I had a feeling that the power input was too much for it. I will have to search for a plug socket transformer instead so. Think I saw one on Amazon whilst looking for the adapter.

Cheers

Antenna

What wattage is this?

a suitable transformer may not be worth the cost etc..

You are probably better off purchasing a waffle maker here.

wandererz

You would need a step down transformer.

What's the wattage of the device?

The transformer would need to be able to deal with the wattage of the appliance. That will Ramp up the cost.

Check Amazon for a range of step down transformers

2011

A waffle maker will not automatically adapt or adjust to the correct voltage. As above a transformer is required.

Over twice the design voltage has been applied to this device. This may have irreversibly damage the item.

TheWonderLlama

stepdown transformers are not hugely expensive. just check the wattage of your appliance before buying.

https://www.espares.ie/product/es1746504?utm_source=google+shopping&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=google+shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwzOqKBhAWEiwArQGwaCjiectyHe3qegZUWr1gY0yDPl9i3fU7Ma0K_tzaiLm1nnjJqmwnuxoCGJwQAvD_BwE

2011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117974308#Comment_117974308

They are not expensive, at a guess they cost around the same as a waffle maker.

They are also bulky, heavy (due to the iron core) and some have been known to overheat.

POBox19

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117974308#Comment_117974308

Careful here, a waffle maker would need 700 to 1000 watts. Argos.ie have waffle makers from €36, probably lower than the cost of a proper transformer.

https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9404762/Trail/searchtext%3EWAFFLE.htm

Bass Reeves

The waffle maker is probably damaged now from the over voltage. I would sent it for electrical recycling. You will not just need a transformer but probably an adapter as well. The whole lot will set you back 50ish euro minimum.